Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan for Inflammation and Infection

PET imaging for inflammation and infection is covered for specific, equivocal diagnostic indications including FUO in adults (fever >38.3 C for >=21 days, non-immunocompromised, prior evaluation nondiagnostic), selected cardiac infections/inflammatory conditions (prosthetic valve endocarditis, device infections, cardiac sarcoidosis, vascular graft infection, aortitis/systemic vasculitis) when standard imaging is inconclusive and PET would affect management, and for equivocal osteomyelitis/spondylodiscitis when MRI is unavailable or nondiagnostic. PET is not a first-line test, is not indicated for native valve endocarditis, and generally is not used to monitor treatment response (except cardiac sarcoidosis); use for other infection/inflammation indications is investigational. Documentation must record prior nondiagnostic evaluations, clinical suspicion, adherence to cardiac preparation protocols when required, and specifics demonstrating how PET results will impact care.